Western Australia’s Southbound Festival has announced that it will “take a break” in 2017, following reports of financial difficulties.

In a statement, Southbound organisers say, “After 13 years of Southbound, it is with much consideration that we have decided to take a break for 2017 to focus on some exciting new projects. More on these soon…

“Producing such events in collaboration with our community is a huge undertaking, and one as passionate organisers we take very seriously. This time will allow us to return with a re-invigorated festival with hopefully many more memorable years to come.”

Festival organisers have urged anyone who wants to see the event return in 2018 to sign up to their 2018 festival register.

Southbound Festival’s 2016 event was cancelled after bushfires tore through areas near the festival grounds in January last year, with Southbound Festival Director David Chitty telling The West Australian that “insurance covered some aspects such as the patrons, artists, contracts and suppliers, the event itself was put under enormous financial strain”.